Here we go again

The start of a new class is something I never get tired of and today, a glorious, hot and alternately windy day, was no exception. I am not sure who was happier,them or me, as I hope our picture shows. Each class is composed of a different set of people, and this one has some seniors who are rethinking their decision about computer lessons. They now want to try at least and I love that already they want to try new things, even at their age. I love the sense of hope the women bring to us. They need that hope. In the paper today there was a report that showed unemployment levels among young people unacceptably high. My eye caught the results of a study that show nearly14 million social grant beneficiaries in South Africa during the 2009/10 financial years. Of those ,nine million child support grant beneficiaries made up the biggest share. The old age grant was the second highest with more than two million getting help. Our class has some of both and the seniors wanted to learn to sew because many of them have to care for grandchildren who have either lost mothers or whose mothers have no work.
As I read this article I thought of the uphill climb our students face. With the rate of joblessness around them they have almost no market and need us to provide a market. I was so pleased to see another report in our town paper that the City of Cape Town will meet to discuss how to provide ways for people in Masiphumelele to learn new skills, and showcase some of the excellent things they do and also plan other improvements that will give the more than 30,000 residents new pride of place in their surroundings. I am so happy to be here, part of this.